Tried and Tested-Equestrian rider safety equipment

Company/Description/Cost/Test Result		Photos of our volunteers (digital photography by stevensondesign.co.uk)

TIPPERARY TIPPERARY BODY PROTECTOR used by international event riders everywhere; you will have to go a long way to beat the combination of quality, value for money and safety features. The Tipperary Esprit Body Protector complies with new International safety standard ASTMF1937 and also BETA 2000 level 3 and EN 13158. The heart of each body protector is a specially developed pliable foam that gives a high level of comfort without sacrificing any of its protective properties. Weight, breath ability and comfort are all-important aspects in the design of these leading garments. Esprit Body Protectors are available in a range of sizes from child's extra small through to adults extra large. With the unique hook and loop fastenings at the shoulders and sides, each garment is easily adjustable for maximum comfort and protection, plus there is the added safety feature of optional shoulder pads. This body protector is designed with the all-purpose rider in mind. The outer cover is rain resistant and removable for easy washing and maintenance. Recommended retail price of approx. £32.99 *Our testers views* Product: TIPPERARY BODY PROTECTOR Tester: Mandy James Opinion: Very soft and comfortable. My last body protector was rigid and quite uncomfortable to wear. I found the old one use to hurt my back and had put me off buying another one. This one is great I would wear it all day. Rates 8 Contact www.battles.co.uk or call 01522 529206

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CASCO CASCO is the latest name in advanced headwear for riders. Manufactured to the latest European standard EN1384, Casco hats offer possibly the lightest, most comfortable and stylish helmet to be seen in. Each helmet offers the ultimate in protection and impact absorbency and is the only helmet to feature the revolutionary adjustable disk fit size that allows each hat to be the perfect fit irrespective of the shape of the head. And the weight - with the average helmet weighing less than 500g, you won't even know you've got it on. Its so light and comfortable to wear and the ultimate in safety. Packed with advanced technology construction features, each helmet has streamline air flow for long term comfort and adjustable drop lock strap dividers that ensure the chin strap can be adjusted for the perfect position and fit, even with gloves on. Available in three styles including specialist designs for children, Casco Helmets are already used by top class international riders. All Casco hats are competitively priced from around £30.00 to £80.00 dependent on style. *Our testers views* Product: CASCO Tester: Wendy Stevenson Opinion: Although it feels quite large when you first try it, the helmet itself is in fact light and very cool to wear. At the back of the helmet is a dial that you can twist to adjust the fit of the helmet so that it fits perfectly. A lot of thought has obviously gone into the design, the catches are very easy to undo and the straps are easy to alter. I have in the past worn a skull, but this is much more comfortable. I thought that the helmet looked much better than a skull cap, several times when I've been riding I've lost my silk cover and wearing a skull cap without a silk you look like a peanut head. Rates 9 Contact www.battles.co.uk or call 01522 529206
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DUBLIN DUBLIN PRO COMPETITION HAT when you want both style, and the best protection a hat can provide, the Dublin Pro Competition Helmet is for you. The Dublin Pro Helmet has passed the highest safety standards possible - BS EN1384: 1997approved & ASTM 1163/SE1 certified. With a secure and comfortable moulded harness design, and a vented top to help keep your head cool and dry, this helmet is all about comfort. Covered with Tech Fab, a new suede effect fabric. Which is treated to protect against dust, grease and water stains, it will stay looking good time after time. *Our testers views* Product: DUBLIN Tester: Mandy James Opinion: I found it comfortable to wear. It looks as good as some of the more expensive hats. The style is lovely, I particularly liked the covering fabric. I found that it fitted me better than most of the other hats. Rates 10 01295 268123 or e-mail info@weatherbeeta.com





DUBLIN DUBLIN CREST HELMET. This lightweight safety helmet with its revolutionary design is approved to PAS015. Its air vented for temperature control, it also has a removable and washable mesh lining and a non-detachable peak. *Our testers views* Product: DUBLIN Tester: Heather Carlton Opinion: I normally wear a skullcap and in the summer I find that my head gets very sweaty. I was really surprised how cool the helmet was. I found it comfortable and very light. I'm now ditching the skullcap in favour of the helmet. Rates 10 01295 268123 or e-mail info@weatherbeeta.com
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DUBLIN DUBLIN ADVANCED LIGHTWEIGHT BODY PROTECTOR. A superbly crafted body protector, which meets the very highest standards of Beta 2000 level 3. Optional shoulder pads sweat and stain resistant. The body protector is easily adjustable, with web side straps and slip buckles for maximum comfort and fit. *Our testers views* Product: DUBLIN Tester: Tina Smythe-Harris Opinion: I found it flexible and not too rigid, so it was quite comfortable to wear. I find with some protectors, you don't want to wear them because they are so stiff. It looked smart and was easy to keep clean. Rates 8 Contact: 01295 268123 or e-mail info@weatherbeeta.com		photo to be supplied

JACK ELLIS JACK ELLIS BODY PROTECTORS. Worn and recommended by Ian Stark, Jack Ellis Body Protectors have been carefully designed to allow ample adjustment at the shoulder and waist for a perfect fit every time. The interchangeable tail section is also available in a choice of length to cater for the taller or shorter rider, making Jack Ellis an ideal choice for growing children. And should the worst happen, front and back panels can be completely removed without having to move the injured rider. Prices vary according to size, style and level. *Our testers views* Product: JACK ELLIS Tester: Hannah Chambers Opinion: Lightweight and comfy especially when it's hot. I don't like wearing body protectors, but I forgot that I had this one on. The adjustable straps where ideal as my weight goes up and down. Rates 10 Contact 01303 8752424 for stockists and details
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CALDENE CALDENE PRO PLUS. Pro-plus body protector windproof, waterproof and breathable, these new state of the art body protectors are Teflon coated to resist stains and have removable foam blocks for easy care and washing. CE approved, they are tested to B.E.T.A class 3 (purple) standard. *Our testers views* Product: CALDENE Tester: Wendy Stevenson Opinion: I liked the check pattern and I also liked the fact that it was washable. I found it comfortable and it certainly wasn't stiff to move around in. The Velcro straps were very effective, sticking to anything they came into contact with. The fitting is easy to alter because of the Velcro; you don't have buckles to mess around with. Rates 8 Contact. TEL: +44 (0) 1422 883393 FAX +44 (0) 1422 885925 EMAIL shop@caldene.co.uk
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GATEHOUSE THE GATEHOUSE HICKSTEAD RIDING HAT. The Hickstead velvet-riding hat has been extremely popular since its introduction to the Airflow range from Gatehouse. One of the main features is its size, having the full BSEN1384 standard but still maintaining a very neat appearance. With the BSEN standard this hat is acceptable under all the association's rules and will remain acceptable into the Millennium and the foreseeable future. The grey stay cool lining helps perspiration problems and makes the hat extremely comfortable to wear. The superior finish velvet is available in black or navy and the harness is made of the finest Pittards soft leather in a flesh colour. The lacing at the rear of the hat allows for extra fit and comfort. This superior hat is worn by many professional riders and can be found at most tack shops. *Our testers views* Product: GATEHOUSE Tester: Wendy Stevenson Opinion: It really is a good quality hat. All my friends were quite envious; I had lots of requests to borrow it. It was very comfortable to wear, the harness made of leather was really soft, you almost forgot it was fastened, so much better than nylon fastenings. I don't think it was expensive when you look at what you get. I will keep this hat for best! Rates 9 Contact. 01306 631374
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GATEHOUSE THE GATEHOUSE JUNIOR Combining safety with comfort, the Airflow range has a perforated lining which encourages the flow of air around the head reducing perspiration. Smaller than most of its competitors, it has a very neat appearance. The Gatehouse Junior has passed both the PAS015 and the BSEN1384, and has a fun design for the junior rider. *Our testers views* Product: GATEHOUSE Tester: Zoe Griffith Opinion: Really comfortable because of the padding, I liked the colour and the pattern on the inside, so did my friends. It fitted perfectly and sat on my head nicely. Rates 8 Contact. 01306 631374

MOUNTAIN HORSE MOUNTAIN RIDER A sturdy riding or country boot made of the finest 3M Scotchguard™ -treated, Nubuck leather with spur rest and sturdy heel. A specially designed and patented sole with steel shank and stirrup control as well as a fitted insole which can be removed. This season's new colour: Navy. Colours: Navy, dark brown, black *Our testers views* Product: MOUNTAIN HORSE Tester: Pippa Jones Opinion: When I first saw the boots I thought wow! They are really bright. They have a tartan lining which helps to make them comfortable to wear. They definitely stand out from other boots, very stylish. They are comfortable but not clunky to wear, they are certainly slip proof. Rates 8 Contact. 01462 432596
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AIR O WEAR The Zippa & Zippa Plus 2000 Air O Wear's Zippa body protectors are a neat tailored design for male or female fit. Zippa and Zippa Plus features... · Maximum protection with minimum bulk and weight. · Made using comfortable, soft, flexible foam. · Elasticated side closures designed to give increased comfort during activity. · Ventilation holes for flexibility and coolness. · Adjustable at the waist and shoulders for adaptable fit. · Soft fashionable, breathable Grey Microfibre cover, Teflon coated for maximum water and stain repellence. They can also be made to order with your own cross-country colours in heavy cotton drill, with hat silks to match. The Zippa Plus uniquely offers complete body protection with innovative integral shoulder protection, the ultimate protector for the serious rider. The Zippa has adjustable shoulder openings. Both Zippas pass to the EN13158: 2000 and BETA 2000 Standard Level 3, the highest level of protection available, and are CE marked conforming to (89/686/EEC). *Our testers views* Product: Zippa and Zippa plus Tester: Ester Griffith. Opinion: It fitted nicely and I found it comfy to wear. Strangely enough it stopped me slouching in the saddle. Several times I forgot that I had it on and mucked out in it. Rates 9 CONTACT: www.airowear.co.uk TEL: 01434 632816
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GUINEA PIGS WANTED
Do you want to help us on product test. Send us an e-mail about yourself and your horse or pony and we will add you to our database. In the next few months we will be testing... Saddles, Riders Clothing, Protective Clothing, Boots, Riding Gloves,
Travel Boots and Rugs, Winter Rugs, Bridals and Bits, Stable Bedding